LGBTQ scholar and author David Halperin writes that some traits of gay men are taught, not innate characteristics. Halperin stops by for a lesson on "how to be gay". And, we learn the tenets of a diet that was created by an Ohio dentist (no candy allowed).

Congress continues to debate the deadline to raise the debt ceiling closes in, financial expert Diane Swonk explains what this could mean for the nation and beyond. Plus, Joe Richman and Amanda Brand of the Radio Diaries project play us some candid audio.

We may be surrounded by media, but does it broaden our perspective? We'll talk about the need for diversity with writer and media expert Michele Weldon. Also, religion journalist, Judy Valente, attempts to bring us some inner peace, and musician Alex Cuba performs.